Periodontal Disease and Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a common metabolic bone disease frequently seen in postmenopausal women that occurs less frequently in men. Osteoporosis is characterized by bone fragility, low bone mass, and a decrease in bone mineral density. Many studies have identified a connection between periodontal disease and osteoporosis.

A study conducted at the University of New York at Buffalo in 1995 concluded that post-menopausal women who suffered from osteoporosis were 86% more likely to also develop periodontal disease.

Reasons for the Connection

Though studies are still being conducted to further assess the extent of the relationship between osteoporosis and periodontal disease, research has thus far made the following connections:

• Estrogen deficiency – Estrogen deficiency accompanies menopause and also speeds up the progression of oral bone loss. The lack of estrogen accelerates the rate of attachment loss, negatively affecting the fibers and tissues which keep the teeth stable.
  
  
• Low mineral bone density – This is thought to be one of several causes of osteoporosis. The inflammation caused by periodontal disease makes weakened bones more prone to break down even further, which is why periodontitis can be more progressive in patients with osteoporosis.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Osteoporosis and periodontal disease are much less dangerous if they are diagnosed in the early stages. Once a diagnosis has been made, the dentist will generally work with the patient’s doctor to ensure that both diseases are effectively controlled.

Here are some methods commonly used to diagnose and treat these diseases:

• Routine dental x-rays – X-rays can be effectively used to screen for bone loss in the upper and lower jaw. Periodontists can intervene to prevent and treat periodontal disease. It is believed that minimizing periodontal disease will help treat osteoporosis.
  
  
• Estrogen supplements – Providing post-menopausal women with estrogen supplements lowers the rate of attachment loss and also lowers gingival inflammation, which, in turn, protects the teeth from periodontal disease.
  
  
• Assessment of risk factors – Dentists and doctors are able to closely monitor patients that are at increased risk of developing both diseases by assessing family history, medical history, X-rays, current medications and modifiable risk factors. Tobacco use, obesity, poor diet and estrogen deficiency can all be managed using a combination of education, support and prescription medications.

If you have any questions about periodontal disease and its connection with osteoporosis, please ask your dentist.